Single Serve Beverage Container

ABSTRACT

A single serve beverage container with a tapered/conical design manufactured from metal. The container has a curled top flange that assembles a lid component which is hermetically sealed when under vacuum. The beverage container will allow for a new category of beverages such as shots, mixers and other similar drinks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/993,861 filed on Mar. 24, 2020. The entire disclosure of the prior application is considered to be part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

A typical single-serve beverage container is fabricated from various substrates and come in many different form factors and shapes. These include standard beverage cans with “pop top” or stay-on-tab lids, glass bottles with push-twist or pre-perforated closures as well as numerous other plastic designs. The majority of these containers hold beverage products that are typically carbonated or vacuum packed; from thermal sterilization processes. Additionally, existing containers also have a method of indicating whether or not the product has been previously opened or tampered with. Some of these methods are more obvious and effective than others, such as a permanent sheering of metal from itself in a beverage lid versus a tamper evident band around a perforated closure. Cans and bottles are the most popular formats for beverages with many brands using label designs and secondary packaging to differentiate themselves from others on shelf. Innovation in the beverage industry has driven much of the growth in consumption, however, this innovation has typically been limited to a packaging format (slim cans circa 2010) or formulation (spiked seltzer circa 2018) and rarely a combination of the two. It would be ideal for a new type of beverage packaging to stand out while also creating a potentially new category within the industry. The package would preferably be made of a sustainable material that is infinitely recyclable; such as metal, and provides the product protection and shelf life required for distribution through consumption. A new shape and physical appearance would differentiate the product on-shelf and provide an advantage within through the supply chain. Additionally, the package would feature a robust tamper evident system with additional functionality features such as recloseability, product authentication and digital interactive options. The package would be capable of accommodating product formulations from coffee-based drinks, alcohol-infused juices and mixers to specialty craft cocktails.

Furthermore, the package must be designed to accommodate high-speed manufacturing and leverage existing substrate supply chains to benefit from known economies of scale. The packaging could be configured such that they are nestable (stacked within each other) to allow for greater density during shipping. The package would be separate (de-nested) during the filling process using known methods.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a metal container with a conical or tapered sidewall profile. The container includes a top portion that is circular with a curled edge profile. The curled edge profile has a distinct radius so as to provide an appropriate sealing surface to match with a lid. The curled edge profile also provides for a safe, non-sharp, interface from which the end user is able to consume the product. The circular inside edge at the top has a diameter with the outside edge having a second diameter with a relationship of material thickness plus the curl diameter of the edge profile. The inside diameter of the container at the top is reduced according to the taper angle of the container which could be designed from 1 degree to 6 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the container. The bottom of the container has an integral wall connected to the conical/tapered sidewalls with an inside diameter and an outside diameter with a relationship of material thickness plus the inside diameter. Additionally the bottom of the container has a profile that is flat with indented sections that are either round or with defined radius or flat segments.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a metal container with a conical or tapered sidewall profile and a defined geometry comprising of what are typically known as body beads in the can making/packaging industry. These beads are concentric and their number and design are determined by the final performance requirements of the package so as to survive the filling, sealing and distribution process.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a metal container with a conical or tapered sidewall profile and lid. Whereas the container defined in [0001], [0002] and [0003] above is accompanied by a mating lid made also of metal comprising of an inner diameter and outer diameter, with an additional extended outer diameter created by an outward curl. The lid is applied to the top of the container and forms a hermetic seal to seal the contents stored within the metal container.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a metal container with a conical or tapered sidewall profile and lid. Whereas the container defined in [0001], [0002] and [0003] above is accompanied by a mating lid made also of metal comprising of an inner diameter and outer diameter, and an inward curl. The lid is applied to the top of the container and forms a hermetic seal to seal the contents stored within the metal container.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the metal lid described in [0004] and [0005] where the lid has a puncture or hole purposefully incorporated into the design. The hole is created during the manufacturing process and sealed using a polymer, polymer-derivative, foil membrane, or any material capable of preventing oxygen ingress/egress, into the package once the lid is applied and a hermetic seal is formed. The hole location can be placed in the center of the lid or offset in any direction circumferentially about the center of the lid.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the metal lid described in [0004] and [0005] where the lid incorporates a tamper evident feature such as an audible “clicking” or “popping” sound when the seal above the hole in [0006] is broken.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the metal lid described in [0004] and [0005] where the lid incorporates a visual inversion cue that indicates the package has been opened. This is a “button” feature on many lids today where the center panel of the closure is noticibly raised relative to the horizontal plane.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the metal lid described in [0004] and [0005] where the lid incorporates a secondary authentication feature such as a QR or holographic imaging system. Other secondary systems also function as dual authentication and tamper evidence in a two-factor confirmation arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tapered/conical single-serve beverage container;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the container;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the container;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the lid;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the lid;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lid;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the container with beads;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled container and lid;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an assembled container and lid;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an assembled container and lid;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembled container and lid with foil tab;

FIG. 14 is a side view of an assembled container and lid with foil tab;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an assembled container and lid with foil tab; and

FIG. 16 is a dimensioned drawing of an assembled container with foil tab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures illustrate a conical/tapered metal container 10. The purpose of container 10 is to provide a vessel for a new type of mixed or craft beverage that can be consumed as a single serving or occasion. Metal container 10 is produced and formed from a metal, such as steel or aluminum, which makes it ideal for recycling. Metal container 10 offers product protection and shelf life performance expected in the beverage industry while simultaneously providing a differentiated design and consumer experience.

As shown in the figures, container 10 includes a circular top opening 17 with a curled outer flange 18. The opening 17 has a diameter ϕ1 in the range of 1 to 3 inches. The curled flange 18 has a diameter ϕ2 in the range of 1.100″ to 3.400″ inches.

Circumferential sidewall 19 extends down the length of container 10, starting at vertical shoulder 20 to integral bottom 21 at an angle 24 relative to the vertical axis 23. The height of vertical shoulder 20 ranges from 0.200″ to 0.500″. The draft angle 24 has a range of 1 degree to 6 degrees.

Integral bottom 21 is continuously connected with sidewall 19 with a radial transition segment 22. With diameter of radial transition 22 ranges in value between 0.100″ to 0.300″. Integral bottom 21 also having panel features 25 as shown in FIG. 4.

A conical/tapered metal container in FIG. 9 with circumferential beads 26 at a position H1 relative to integral bottom 21. Number of beads 26 could range from 2 to 10 with position relative to integral bottom H1 ranging from 0.200″ to 1.500″.

A separate lid component 14 made of metal. The purpose of lid 14 is to perform as a closure for container 10 and create a hermetic seal once product is filled. Lid component 14 is made of metal, which makes it ideal for recycling. Lid component 14 can incorporate a number of commercially available and demonstrated technologies to provide for a method of tamper evidence notification and product authentication.

Lid component 14 has a diameter ϕ3 to the vertical outer wall 27 with diameter ϕ4 measured to the outer edge of curled finish 28. Lid diameter ϕ3 has a range between 1 to 4 inches and diameter ϕ4 has a range between 3.010 to 4.500″. The vertical outer wall 27 has a height of H2 ranging from 0.100″ to 0.500″.

Lid component 14 includes a liner or compound material 30 inserted in its inner channel made of a polymer, polymer derivative, rubber or other material acting as a seal.

Lid component 14 also incorporates a puncture 31 positioned anywhere about the horizontal plane 32. The puncture is meant to be sealed over with a polymer, polymer-derivative, foil membrane, or any material 33 capable of preventing oxygen ingress/egress. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a foil tab as an example of a sealing material used.

Container 10 is made from a metal such as steel or aluminum. The metal provides a complete barrier to oxygen ingress/egress which provides super product protection and shelf life. Additional coatings are contemplated that are additive to the base substrate to protect the metal from filled product as well as corrosion from the environment. The coating system used could be a type of polymer or organic material; which also assists with the manufacturability of container 10 or 18.

Once container 10 is filled with a beverage product the component lid 14 is placed on top of the container, aligning the vertical outer wall 27 on the lid with the curled flange 18 on the container. A vacuum is keeps the lid in place once the product reaches ambient conditions; in particular during packaging, distribution and storage.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “assembly” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

According to exemplary embodiments, the containers, and specifically the container sidewalls, and the component lid discussed herein are formed from metal, and specifically may be formed from, stainless steel, tin-coated steel, aluminum, etc. In some embodiments, the containers discussed herein are formed from aluminum and the can ends are formed from tin-coated steel. In some embodiments, the sidewall of the container is formed from a metal material and other metals or materials (e.g., polymers, high-temperature plastic, thermoplastics, cardboard, ceramic, etc.) are used to form the end walls of the container.

Containers discussed herein may include containers of any style, shape, size, etc. For example, the containers discussed herein may be shaped such that cross-sections taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container are generally circular. However, in other embodiments the sidewall of the containers discussed herein may be shaped in a variety of ways (e.g., having other non-polygonal cross-sections, as a rectangular prism, a polygonal prism, any number of irregular shapes, etc.) as may be desirable for different applications or aesthetic reasons. In various embodiments, the sidewall of container ϕ0 may include one or more axially extending sidewall sections that are curved radially inwardly or outwardly such that the diameter of the can is different at different places along the axial length of the can, and such curved sections may be smooth continuous curved sections. In one embodiment, container 10 may be hourglass shaped. Container 10 may be of various sizes as desired for a particular application.

Further, container 10 could be used in combination with alternative lid designs (e.g., a screw closure, cap, cover, top, end, can end, sanitary end, “pop-top”, “pull top”, convenience end, convenience lid, pull-off end, easy open end, etc.). The container end may be any element that allows the container to be sealed such that the container is capable of maintaining a hermetic seal.

The containers discussed herein may be used to hold beverage products (e.g., juice, mixers, sports drinks, alcohol, liquor or combinations thereof). It should be understood that the phrase “beverage” used to describe various embodiments of this disclosure may refer to a liquid, or any other drinkable or edible material in viscous form. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tapered/conical metal container comprising: a circular opening with a curled flange, the circular inside edge having a first diameter; a radial curl portion extending from the inside edge terminating to a second diameter on the same plane; a cylindrical wall extending perpendicular to, and from, the inside edge of the top curled flange and being parallel to the central axis, the cylindrical wall terminating at a wall edge having the first diameter; a bottom including a circular central wall parallel to the top curled flange and centered upon the central axis; and a conical sidewall extending from the wall edge to the bottom edge.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first diameter is between 1 and 3 inches.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the second diameter is between 1.010 and 3.400 inches.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the draft angle of the sidewall relative to a vertical axis is between 1 and 6 degrees,
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical wall extends between 0.200 and 0.500 inches between the wall edge and the curled flange,
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of the container is between 0.005 to 0.010 inches
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the transition radius between the sidewall and the integral bottom is between 0.100 and 0.300 inches.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is fabricated from aluminum.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is fabricated from a ferrous metal.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein an inside or outside surface of the container is coated with polymer laminate,
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein an inside or outside surface of the container is coated with and organic coating system that is either rolled on in the flat or sprayed on.
 13. A metal container, comprising: A curled flange extending along a plane between an outside edge and a circular inside edge with a first diameter; a cylindrical wall extending perpendicular to, and from, the inside edge of the curled flange and being parallel to the central axis, the cylindrical wall terminating at a wall edge having the first diameter; a bottom including a circular central wall parallel to the plane, the bottom being centered on the central axis, the central wall including a trough at its periphery, the bottom terminates at a bottom edge that has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter; a conical sidewall extending from the wall edge to the bottom edge; and a lid assembled to the circular outside diameter curled flange, the lid forming a hermetic seal that seals contents stored within the metal container.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the lid extends from the inside edge to the outside diameter of the curled flange.
 15. The container of claim 13, wherein the lid of the container is coated with Polymer Laminate, organic coating, and wherein the cover comprises a metallic material.
 16. The container of claim 13, wherein the lid of the container features a puncture positioned anywhere on the horizontal plane of the lid, wherein a sealing material such as a polymer, foil or similar that seals the lid and prevents ingress/egress of oxygen.
 17. The container of claim 13, wherein the lid of the container is assembled and creates a hermetic seal held in place through a vacuum.
 18. A metal container, comprising: A curled flange extending along a plane between an outside edge and a circular inside edge with a first diameter; a cylindrical wall extending perpendicular to, and from, the inside edge of the curled flange and being parallel to the central axis, the cylindrical wall terminating at a wall edge having the first diameter; a bottom including a circular central wall parallel to the plane, the bottom being centered on the central axis, the central wall including a trough at its periphery, the bottom terminates at a bottom edge that has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter; a conical sidewall extending from the wall edge to the bottom edge; and a series of body beads located along the vertical axis of the conical sidewall; the beads functioning to resist the implosion or paneling of the container when under vacuum;
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein the beads are concentric around the vertical axis of the container
 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the beads are vertical, in the direction of the draft angle of the container, relative to the vertical axis.
 21. The container of claim 18, wherein the beads are of random design, an emboss of a brand, lettering, image or other decorative feature that serve a primary or secondary feature of resisting implosion or paneling. 